Google Analytics is one of the most popular web analytics tools used by website owners and digital marketers. It provides valuable information on website traffic and user behavior. In 2020, Google released a new version of Google Analytics, called Google Analytics 4. Now, two and a half years later, it will officially become the new standard. On July 1, the current and long lived version of Google Analytics, known as Universal Analytics, will no longer process data. From that point on, all data will be available in GA4.

So, what is GA4? How is it different from Universal Analytics?

1. GA4 is the latest version of Google Analytics and it’s designed to provide a more complete view of user behavior across multiple devices and platforms.
2. It has a simplified user interface that’s easier to navigate and use. It offers more intuitive reporting options and makes it easier to find the insights you need.
3. It focuses on events and parameters rather than page views, sessions, and other metrics.
4. GA4 offers improved tracking options that make it easier to track user behavior across your website. You can track specific user actions and events, such as clicks, downloads, or form submissions.

If MABU built your site and it is currently hosted on Pantheon, we made the swap for you! But if not, here are tips to help you prepare for the switch:

1. Get acquainted with GA4. Learn about the new features and changes compared to Universal Analytics. Google even offers online courses and tutorials.
2. Review your current setup. Take note of your current tracking settings, goals, and reports.
3. Plan and test your implementation. Once you have GA4 set up, test it to make sure it’s tracking data accurately.
4. Plan how you will use the various tracking features, such as event tracking, to get better insights into user behavior.
5. Create custom reports in GA4 to track your key performance indicators (KPIs) and analyze your data. You can also use the pre-built reports and templates provided by Google Analytics.

By following these steps, you can prepare for the GA4 switch on July 1 and ensure a smooth transition to GA4.

We recently welcomed two new interns to our team, Emma Schroeder and Tate Houle. Emma and Tate join us from the University of Mary as they complete their degrees in the summer of 2023.

Emma is entering her internship with the Creative Services team at MABU. In her role, she will gain experience in photography, video production, design, and much more. She finds a passion in all things artistic and wants to pursue a career of creativity. Emma’s goal at MABU is to try as many new projects as she can and refine her new skills. She will be graduating from the University of Mary with a major in communication and a focus in media production.

The Strategic Operations team welcomes Tate as their new intern. She is excited to broaden her experience and explore the different aspects of marketing and client relations while at MABU. Tate enjoys work environments that allow her to incorporate complex thinking and interpersonal skills. She will be completing her degree at the University of Mary with a major in communication and a focus on public relations. (She also wrote this blog post as her first assignment!)

Emma and Tate are based in MABU’s Bismarck office and will assist in supporting our clients across North Dakota and the United States.

We recently welcomed Eli Corbett to our team as a Creative Developer. In this role, he will coordinate and complete a variety of projects involving branding, graphic design, website development, motion graphics, photography, and other creative services.

Eli brings a broad range of marketing and communications experience in hospitality, athletics and retail, most recently as the Marketing Manager with Eckroth Music. He previously served as the Creative and Marketing Manager with LIV Hospitality and as a freelance designer working with clients within the NFL and NCAA.

Originally from the black hills area of South Dakota, Eli also holds a bachelor’s degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen. He is based in MABU’s Bismarck office and will support our clients across North Dakota and the United States.

We recently welcomed Molly Hansen to our team as a Multimedia Developer and Animator. In this role, she will coordinate and complete a variety of projects involving branding, graphic design, website development, motion graphics, animation, video production, photography, and other creative services.

Molly brings experience in 2D and 3D animation, and most recently worked as a freelance animator, supporting clients to develop animations for advertising, branding, and promotional work. A 2020 graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), Hansen held numerous internship positions while studying, including with MCAD and the SYFY Channel.

Molly is based in MABU’s Bismarck office and will support our clients across North Dakota and the United States.